For general information and 24-hour/7 day-a-week public health emergencies call:
(914) 813-5000.
Physician's can report suspected or confirmed communicable diseases 24-hours/7 days-a-week by calling:
(914) 813-5159 during regular business hours
(914) 813-5000 outside of regular business hours
Rabies Alert!
A rabid cat was cat brought to the Yonkers Animal Hospital, located at 526 Saw Mill River Road, on Thursday, December 12 and tested positive for rabies. The Health Department is seeking to identify and speak with the man and woman who dropped off the cat but did not leave their names or contact information. Health officials need to determine whether these individuals were exposed to the rabies virus, which is fatal if untreated. When the cat was dropped off, the man was wearing an orange camouflage jacket and the woman carried the cat in a beige tote bag and wore a black jacket and a black hat with a pom-pom.
If you are one of these individuals or had any contact with the cat, which appeared to be less than a year old and had likely been struck by a vehicle, please call the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000. This line is available 24/7.
December 18, 2024: CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States
A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”) infection in Louisiana. This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. Learn more.
Employment Opportunities at Westchester County Department of Health
Our Health Department team is rapidly expanding and we are looking to hire public health professionals in various fields. View our open jobs and apply today.
Free Home COVID-19 Tests
Residents can once again order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government to have on hand ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season. Every household is eligible to receive four tests, which will be shipped free by USPS. An accessible test option is also available for people with low vision, blindness, or limited manual dexterity. Testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.
Required School Vaccines
It's not too late to book appointments with the Westchester County Department of Health for the free vaccines children need to attend and stay in school. New this year, the County Health Department has added an extra day each week at its clinic in Yonkers. Immunizations are available for any student that is eligible for the state’s Vaccines for Children program. To find out if your child qualifies and to make an appointment, call 914-995-5800. Health Department Vaccine clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as follows:
- Mondays at the White Plains clinic at 134 Court Street;
- Thursdays and Fridays in the Yonkers clinic at 20 South Broadway.